Buying Guide to Craft Beer Glassware

Buying Guide to Craft Beer Glassware

Much like wine and cocktails, different styles of beer call for different types of glassware. That's because certain glasses can accentuate a beer's taste, aroma, and aesthetics — and enhance your drinking experience.

Which styles of beer do you like to drink?

The type of craft beer glassware you purchase should largely depend on the styles of beer you (or your guests) prefer. That's because each style of beer has its own unique characteristics, and certain types of glassware will accentuate them better than others.

Not sure which beer to choose?

With hundreds of thirst-quenching craft brews available, it's nearly impossible to settle on just one. So consider adding a beer flight set to your glassware repertoire. It comes with a wooden carrier that artfully holds each tasting glass in place, allowing you to experience several different beers at once.

Are you looking for glasses for everyday use, or for special occassions?

Craft beer glasses range from the standard beer stein to the more elegant chalice.

If you're looking for a glass that's easy to store, use, and stack, try the English pub glass (also called a nonic pint glass). Its bulging top adds grip and helps to prevent chipping when stacked, plus it's a suitable vessel for everything from an American IPA to an English porter.

For something with extra panache, consider the tulip beer glass. The design of this stemmed, bulbous glass serves to concentrate and channel the beer's aroma while supporting a robust, foamy head. It's known to complement the flavor nuances of Belgian strong ales, saisons, and Scotch ales, to name a few. Some beer experts claim it's the best glass for any style of beer.

How many beer glasses do you need?

Depending on your beer-drinking preferences, you may opt to purchase craft beer glasses a la carte or as a set. Buying glasses on their own lets you create a custom beer-glass setup that best suits your tastes. But if you relish drinking or serving a variety of beers, a craft-beer glassware set is often an excellent choice. Most sets include five to six different glasses, giving you the ability to fully experience everything from a crisp pilsner to a hearty stout. Craft-beer glassware sets also make great gifts for beer enthusiasts.

This guide will help you become familiar with different types of craft beer glassware.
It may be helpful to first scan the “Ideal For” column to find your favorite style of beer.

Often the branded glassware of choice for monasteries that brew Belgian ales. Wide-mouthed with a large bowl.

Belgian ales and IPAs

Pale ales are a match made in heaven for salty, fried foods, Mexican dishes, and savory meats.

At home, it's up to you!

There's no hard-and-fast science that says a certain style of beer must be served in a certain type of glassware. In fact, many beer experts disagree on the subject. What's more, some styles of beer pair well with several different types of glasses. So when you're at home, why not reach for the glass you like best?

How to Pour a Beer

Tilt your glass at a slight angle and slowly pour your beer against its downward wall. As your glass becomes two-thirds full, tip it upright and pour the beer directly into its center. This should produce a nice, foamy head, which helps to amplify the beer's aroma and create an aesthetically pleasing presentation.

How to Care for Your Glasses

Wash carefully and follow specific care instructions.

Rinse glasses thoroughly to remove any dishwasher, food or lipstick residue—all of which can negatively affect a beer's head (i.e., foam).

Do not chill. Serving beer in a chilled glass may cause it to dip below its optimal serving temperature (between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit for most beers), muting its flavors.